I finally blew the Dana 35 (big shock) in my 87 xj so I wanted to ask the controversial question, do I buy an 8.8 already set up for a Cherokee or do I buy a Dana 44 and why... I will need new gears to match my front on either rear end so eliminate that.

Ready go

 

naturally, I say go for whichever one is more accessible and cheaper.
if you've got your sights on an 8.8 that's already set up, get it! saving you half the time
but the reason I always prefer (personal preference) an 8.8 over a D44 is that it forces you to do a couple things that every off road XJ should receive.

1. antiwrap leaf perches
2. raised shock mounts
3. weld the tubes to the housing

where a D44 allows you to be lazy and just swap in the axle. and you're going to pay more for it initially because for some reason it's "highly sought after"
a couple other bonuses of some 8.8's are the factory 4.10 gears, limited slip, and disc brakes

 

I agree with him.

Getting a 8.8 set up already is better.

 

This 8.8 one is lsd, disc but not 410 that's what I am running right now which is why I will have to swap gears out.
The hard work is done on it for a Cherokee which is why I am leaning towards it. Are They are still the same lug pattern? Sorry for being a noob I only have a basic knowledge of 4x4s not so much into the interchanging parts etc

 

A junk yard 8.8 vs D44 will cost exactly the same. Over about a year I pulled 3 D44s from junk yards for myself and friends. They are not that hard to find and ended up being in about 1/3 of the 87s we found.

 

yeah same lug pattern

true. but arent all junk yard rear ends like $250 in CA? I guess that's a profit if you're flipping them for $400. I generally dont go through the hassle of CA junk yards. craigslist is easier

 

Yep,in fact listening to you go on all the time about the 8.8 is what made me research it more. My 4.10,disc braked limited slip is waiting for me in the corner of the garage. CA junkyards must really suck.I have a few hillbilly yards I go to. 8.8s are 75.00 if you pull it. They will torch it out and put it in your truck for a extra 20.00

 

I do have my rants lol

yes CA definitley sucks.

 

Yes they're a ripoff. And don't forget the core fee plus tax so it's close to $300. Plus they will nickel and dine you to death if you don't strip every item off them. I just buy new stuff most of the time when I can.

And since you mentioned it I did noticed a few times the rear was pulled from the 87s the day they arrived and then seemed to appear on CL for $400.

The one thing I like about the D44 is the option of doing 35-spline axles with plenty of aftermarket support for them. I don't see any support for similar for the 8.8. I know it's overkill most of the time but if it's an option then I want to do it.

 

Thank you for being the only one to help answer my question. Appreciate the help just wanted a little pro and con to each axle

 

I agree with this. Although I haven't seen many 44's spin tubes nor 8.25's. The 8.8's need that or at least a truss, preferably welded to the housing.

 

technically I've never seen a spun 8.8 either. I just wanted to have 3 points


anyway. these 2 axles have been debated a lot. google search never hurts
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/newbi...ord-8-8-a.html
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/8-...na-44-a-74813/

 

It'll be trussed and I plan to rebuild the lsd as well. Finally blew up my Dana 35 haha lasted through some **** tho